What is this study about?

We want to test two different reliever inhalers to find out which one is the best in treating adults with mild-moderate asthma:

  1. Bricanyl 200 Turbuhaler taken as needed for asthma symptoms

  2. Symbicort 200/6 Turbuhaler taken as needed for asthma symptoms

The choice of reliever inhaler participants receive is determined randomly (a 50/50 chance, like the flip of a coin). All participants will also receive a Pulmicort 200 Turbuhaler which they will use every day as a preventer.

Participation involves three in person visits over a 6 month period where we ask questions about asthma symptoms and perform breathing tests. There is a blood test at the first and last study visit measuring a component of the blood linked to asthma.

For the first 3 months of the study (between the first and second study visit), participants take home a portable device that can measure inflammation in the lungs while they are at home.

All study medicine is free of charge during the study, and all participants will be reimbursed for their time and travel.

Who can take part? 

Participants in this study must have asthma and:

✓ Use only one of the following inhaler treatments:

  1. A reliever ‘blue’ inhaler, taken when needed (e.g. Ventolin, Respigen) OR

  2. A reliever ‘blue’ inhaler, taken when needed and a regular steroid preventer inhaler (e.g. Qvar, Beclazone, Pulmicort, Flixotide) OR

  3. A combination inhaler (like Symbicort or Vannair) taken only when needed as a reliever inhaler

✓ Be aged between 16 and 75 years old

✓ Are happy to have their inhaler treatment altered for the duration of the trial

✓ Have enough detectable lung inflammation*

Note: It’s important to note we will not know this before attending the initial study visit and performing a simple breathing test.

Who can’t take part? 

This study isn’t suitable for everyone, and participants would not be able to talk part if

× They currently use a combination inhaler regularly as a preventer inhaler (e.g. use Symbicort/Vannair/Breo/Seretide twice a day)

× Currently smoke or vape (with nicotine)

× Have ever been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) because of your asthma

× You are pregnant, breastfeeding or are planning a pregnancy in the next 6 months

Where is the study taking place?

We have study sites in Wellington, Lower Hutt and Hawke’s Bay.

if you’re interested in taking part in the study, please click the link below. Alternatively, you can email us directly.

inform@mrinz.ac.nz | +64 (4) 805 0245

Enquire for more information

Ethics: Approved by the Northern B Health and Disability Ethics Committee (2022 FULL 13221).